“The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde: A Critical Study

Introduction: “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

First published in 1888, “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde is not a standalone work, but the title story within a collection titled The Happy Prince and Other Tales. This collection showcases Wilde’s signature aesthetic sensibilities, employing vivid imagery and captivating characters. However, “The Happy Prince” transcends mere entertainment, incorporating a layer of social commentary. The story juxtaposes the superficiality of wealth and status with the profound significance of compassion and self-sacrifice, creating a work that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Main Events in “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

1. Golden Statue, Leaden Heart: The Happy Prince’s statue is admired for its beauty (thin leaves of fine gold, bright sapphires for eyes, ruby on sword-hilt) but his heart is literally made of lead, and he is oblivious to the suffering below.
2. Swallow’s Change of Heart: A swallow delays his trip to Egypt, captivated by the prince’s statue. He’s initially hesitant to help (“I don’t think I like boys”), but the prince’s sadness convinces him to stay.
3. First Delivery: Ruby for the Seamstress: The prince pleads with the swallow to deliver the ruby to a woman embroidering a dress for the Queen’s maid-of-honour. Her son is sick, and she has nothing to give him but river water.
4. Swallow Feels Warmth: After delivering the ruby, the swallow experiences a strange sensation despite the cold – a sign of his good deed.
5. Second Delivery: Sapphire for the Artist: The prince convinces the swallow to take a sapphire from his eye to help a young playwright struggling to finish a play due to hunger and cold.
6. The Artist’s Relief: The swallow delivers the sapphire, and the artist is able to sell his play and buy food and firewood.
7. Ultimate Sacrifice: The Prince’s Other Eye: The prince begs the swallow to take his other eye for a poor match girl whose father will beat her if she doesn’t bring home money.
8. Match Girl’s Joy: The swallow delivers the eye, and the little girl thinks it’s a lovely piece of glass and runs home laughing.
9. Staying with the Prince: Despite the harsh winter, the swallow chooses to stay with the prince out of loyalty and friendship.
10. Sharing Stories: The swallow entertains the blind prince with stories of faraway lands, including the red ibises on the Nile and the Sphinx in the desert.
11. Helping the Poor: The prince instructs the swallow to remove his gold leaf by leaf and give it to the poor, bringing comfort and alleviating their suffering.
12. Swallow’s Death: Weakened by the cold and his selfless acts, the swallow dies at the prince’s feet.
13. The Prince’s Broken Heart: Overcome with sadness, the prince’s leaden heart literally breaks in two.
14. Aesthetics Over Kindness: The town officials deem the tarnished statue useless and order it melted, highlighting their shallow priorities.
15. Heavenly Reward: An angel recognizes the true value of the prince’s sacrifice and the swallow’s compassion, bringing them both to God’s paradise.

Literary Devices in “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

Device	Example	Explanation
Allegory	The entire story	The story can be seen as an allegory for social inequality and the importance of compassion. The Happy Prince represents the privileged class, while the poor people in the city represent the underprivileged.
Anaphora	“Swallow, Swallow, little Swallow”	Repetition of the word “Swallow” for emphasis and urgency.
Anthropomorphism	The statue cries and the little swallow has a conversation	Human qualities are given to non-human characters.
Foreshadowing	“The climate in the north of Europe is really dreadful”	This line foreshadows the swallow’s eventual death.
Hyperbole	“The river was quite full of Reeds”	An exaggeration to emphasize the abundance of reeds.
Imagery	“He flew into dark lanes, and saw the white faces of starving children looking out listlessly at the black streets”	Vivid description that appeals to the sense of sight.
Irony	The statue named “The Happy Prince” is miserable	There is a contradiction between the name and the character’s state of being.
Juxtaposition	“The rich making merry in their beautiful houses, while the beggars were sitting at the gates”	Placing contrasting situations side-by-side to highlight social disparity.
Metaphor	“My heart is made of lead”	The prince’s literal heart is made of lead, but metaphorically, it represents his lack of compassion during his lifetime.
Metonymy	“They pulled down the statue of the Happy Prince”	The statue represents the Happy Prince himself.
Onomatopoeia	“Heave a-hoy!”	The sound of the sailors’ chant is directly represented in the words.
Personification	“The wind blew, and the Reed made the most graceful curtsies”	The wind’s action is given a human quality.
Symbolism	The ruby, sapphire, and leaden heart	The ruby symbolizes love and charity, the sapphire represents wisdom and understanding, and the leaden heart represents the prince’s lack of compassion during his lifetime.

Characterization in “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

Major Characters:

1. The Happy Prince
   • Description: A magnificent golden statue perched high above the city, adorned with thin leaves of fine gold, bright sapphires for eyes, and a large red ruby on his sword-hilt.
   • Traits:
     • Compassionate: He feels profound empathy for the suffering of the city’s impoverished residents, which compels him to sacrifice his own comfort and beauty to help them.
     • Self-sacrificing: Despite being an inanimate object, he willingly gives away his precious jewels and gold to alleviate the misery of the poor, even at the cost of his own appearance and eventual demise.
   • Example: The Happy Prince instructs the Swallow to pluck out his eyes and take his gold and jewels to the needy, demonstrating his profound compassion and willingness to sacrifice himself for the welfare of others.
2. The little Swallow
   • Description: A small, delicate bird with vibrant plumage, who forms a deep bond with the Happy Prince.
   • Traits:
     • Loyal: Despite facing the harsh winter and knowing his own life is at risk, he chooses to remain by the side of the Happy Prince, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and devotion.
     • Compassionate: Through his interactions with the Happy Prince, he learns the value of empathy and selflessness, ultimately sacrificing his own well-being to fulfill the prince’s wishes.
   • Example: The Swallow selflessly plucks out the Happy Prince’s eyes and delivers his gold and jewels to the poor, even though it means his own eventual demise, showcasing his newfound compassion and dedication.

Minor Characters:

1. Town Councillors
   • Description: Wealthy and influential individuals who hold positions of power within the city.
   • Traits:
     • Superficial: They dismiss the Happy Prince as worthless once his external beauty fades, demonstrating a shallow focus on appearances.
     • Materialistic: They prioritize wealth and status over compassion and empathy, failing to recognize the true value of the Happy Prince’s selfless acts.
   • Example: The Town Councillors agree with the Mayor’s assessment that the Happy Prince is “little better than a beggar” once his jewels are gone, highlighting their superficial and materialistic mindset.
2. Mayor
   • Description: The authoritative figure who leads the town.
   • Traits:
     • Superficial: He suggests replacing the Happy Prince’s statue with one of himself, indicating a preoccupation with personal vanity and status.
     • Ignorant: He overlooks the profound compassion and sacrifice embodied by the Happy Prince, focusing instead on superficial appearances.
   • Example: The Mayor proposes issuing a proclamation against birds dying in the square, prioritizing superficial concerns over genuine empathy and compassion for the less fortunate.
3. Art Professor
   • Description: An academic figure associated with the University.
   • Traits:
     • Superficial: He considers the Happy Prince worthless once his external beauty fades, revealing a lack of appreciation for true compassion and selflessness.
     • Materialistic: He supports the decision to replace the Happy Prince’s statue, indicating a mindset focused on superficial appearances and material wealth.
   • Example: The Art Professor agrees with the Mayor’s decision to replace the Happy Prince’s statue, reflecting a narrow-minded perspective that values external beauty over genuine acts of kindness and sacrifice.

Major Themes in “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

1. Compassion and Selflessness: “The Happy Prince” explores the theme of compassion and selflessness through the actions of the Happy Prince and the little Swallow. The Happy Prince, despite being a statue, feels deep empathy for the suffering of his city’s residents and willingly sacrifices his own comfort and beauty to help them. He instructs the Swallow to distribute his gold and jewels to the poor, demonstrating a selfless concern for the welfare of others. Similarly, the little Swallow learns the value of compassion through his interactions with the Happy Prince, ultimately choosing to stay by his side and fulfill his wishes even at the cost of his own life. For example, the Happy Prince sacrifices his eyes and his gold to alleviate the suffering of the poor, while the Swallow sacrifices his own well-being to carry out the prince’s requests.
2. Superficiality versus True Worth: Another prominent theme in the story is the contrast between superficiality and true worth. The Town Councillors, Mayor, and Art Professor represent superficial values, prioritizing external appearances and material wealth over genuine compassion and selflessness. They dismiss the Happy Prince as worthless once his external beauty fades, failing to recognize the true value of his selfless acts. In contrast, the Happy Prince and the little Swallow exemplify true worth through their compassionate actions and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others, highlighting the superficiality of those who judge based on appearances alone.
3. The Nature of Sacrifice: Sacrifice is a central theme in “The Happy Prince,” explored through the willingness of the Happy Prince and the little Swallow to give up their own comfort and even their lives for the benefit of others. The Happy Prince sacrifices his beauty, his jewels, and eventually his very life to alleviate the suffering of the poor in his city, demonstrating the depth of his compassion and selflessness. Similarly, the little Swallow sacrifices his own well-being to fulfill the Happy Prince’s requests, ultimately giving his life in service to others. Their acts of sacrifice underscore the importance of empathy, altruism, and the willingness to give of oneself for the greater good.
4. The Inherent Value of Empathy: Empathy emerges as a significant theme in “The Happy Prince,” emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion for others. The Happy Prince’s ability to feel the pain of his city’s residents despite being a statue highlights the transformative power of empathy, inspiring him to take action to alleviate their suffering. Likewise, the little Swallow learns the value of empathy through his interactions with the Happy Prince, ultimately choosing to stay by his side and assist him in his efforts to help the poor. Through their acts of empathy and compassion, the characters in the story demonstrate the profound impact that understanding and caring for others can have on both individuals and communities.

Writing Style in “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

1. Moral Allegory: The story itself is an allegory, presenting a clear message about social responsibility and compassion disguised as a fairy tale.
2. Simple and Clear Language: Wilde uses straightforward sentences and vocabulary, making the story accessible to readers of all ages. This simplicity allows the deeper message to shine through.
3. Vivid Descriptions: Despite the simple language, Wilde paints vivid pictures with his words. Descriptions of the city, the characters, and the swallow’s journey create a strong visual impression for the reader.
4. Conversational Tone: The narration feels like a conversation, with the use of rhetorical questions and direct address to the reader (“What a curious thing!”). This informality draws the reader in and makes the story more engaging.
5. Touch of Humor: Wilde injects subtle humor throughout the story, particularly with the self-important characters like the Town Councillors and the Professor of Ornithology. This touch of lightness keeps the story from becoming overly sentimental.
6. Emotional Depth: While seemingly lighthearted, the story tackles themes of poverty, sacrifice, and death. Wilde evokes emotions in the reader through the plight of the characters.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Examples and References
Marxist Criticism	Examines social class and economic structures, focusing on the exploitation of the working class by the elite.	The Happy Prince, once privileged royalty, sacrifices his wealth to help the poor, highlighting the disparity between the rich and the impoverished.
Feminist Criticism	Analyzes gender roles, power dynamics, and representation of women, seeking to uncover underlying patriarchy and misogyny.	Although no female characters are prominent, the story’s themes of sacrifice and compassion can be seen as transcending gender roles and traditional expectations.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Explores the subconscious mind, desires, and motivations of characters, uncovering deeper psychological meanings and conflicts.	The Happy Prince’s internal conflict between his former privileged life and his newfound empathy for the suffering of others can be analyzed through a psychoanalytic lens.
Formalist Criticism	Focuses on the literary elements and techniques employed by the author, such as symbolism, imagery, and narrative structure.	The use of vivid imagery to describe the Happy Prince and the city’s suffering, as well as the symbolism of the jewels and the Swallow’s sacrifice, are key elements analyzed.
Structuralist Criticism	Analyzes the underlying structures and systems within the narrative, emphasizing recurring patterns and binary oppositions.	The story’s structure of a prince and a swallow representing wealth and poverty respectively, as well as the binary opposition between superficiality and true worth, can be explored.
Postcolonial Criticism	Investigates the representation of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural hegemony, particularly in relation to power dynamics and oppression.	While not explicitly about colonialism, the story can be interpreted as a critique of societal injustices and the exploitation of the marginalized by the powerful.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Social Inequality	How does the story portray the gap between the rich and the poor?	The statue of the Happy Prince, initially representing the privileged who are blind to suffering, ultimately sacrifices his own wealth to help the underprivileged, highlighting the importance of compassion in bridging the social gap.
Importance of Compassion	How does the swallow’s journey demonstrate the value of compassion?	Though the swallow initially prioritizes his own desires, witnessing the suffering of others compels him to act selflessly, ultimately sacrificing his life in an act of true compassion.
Transformation and Sacrifice	How does the Happy Prince undergo a transformation through his actions?	Initially a symbol of carefree wealth, the Happy Prince sheds his material possessions and experiences true happiness through sacrifice, demonstrating the transformative power of compassion.
Perception vs. Reality	How does the story challenge our perceptions of happiness and wealth?	The story subverts our expectations by showing that true happiness lies not in material possessions or outward appearances, but in acts of selflessness and empathy.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

• How does Oscar Wilde use the character of the Happy Prince to critique societal values in “The Happy Prince”? Provide specific examples from the story to support your answer.
  • Oscar Wilde employs the character of the Happy Prince as a symbol of opulence and privilege to critique societal values, particularly the disregard for the plight of the poor. Despite his former life of luxury, the Happy Prince develops empathy for the suffering around him after his death, symbolized by the tears he sheds and his willingness to sacrifice his own beauty and wealth to help others. For instance, he instructs the Swallow to distribute his gold and jewels to the needy, demonstrating a critique of the superficiality and materialism prevalent in society. Wilde’s portrayal of the Happy Prince’s transformation challenges the notion of value based solely on external appearances and wealth, urging readers to reconsider their priorities and embrace compassion for the less fortunate.
• In what ways does Oscar Wilde explore the theme of sacrifice in “The Happy Prince”? Provide detailed examples from the text to illustrate your response.
  • Oscar Wilde delves into the theme of sacrifice in “The Happy Prince” through the selfless actions of both the Happy Prince and the little Swallow. The Happy Prince sacrifices his own comfort and beauty to alleviate the suffering of the poor, exemplified by his instruction to the Swallow to distribute his gold and jewels to those in need. This act of sacrifice culminates in his eventual demise. Similarly, the little Swallow sacrifices his own well-being and eventually his life to fulfill the Happy Prince’s wishes, demonstrating the transformative power of empathy and altruism. Their acts of sacrifice underscore the importance of putting others’ needs above one’s own and challenge readers to consider the true meaning of selflessness and compassion.
• How does Oscar Wilde use symbolism to convey deeper meanings in “The Happy Prince”? Provide specific examples of symbols and their significance in the story.
  • Oscar Wilde employs symbolism to convey deeper meanings and themes in “The Happy Prince,” enriching the narrative with layers of metaphorical significance. The Happy Prince himself serves as a symbol of selflessness and compassion, with his gold-covered exterior representing material wealth and his internal transformation symbolizing the awakening of empathy for the suffering of others. Additionally, the Swallow symbolizes innocence and purity, as well as the transient nature of life. The jewels and gold that adorn the Happy Prince symbolize material wealth and privilege, contrasting with the poverty and hardship experienced by the city’s residents. These symbols enrich the story’s themes of compassion, sacrifice, and the true nature of happiness, inviting readers to reflect on deeper philosophical and moral questions.
• How does Oscar Wilde’s “The Happy Prince” challenge traditional notions of heroism and nobility? Provide examples from the text to support your analysis.
  • In “The Happy Prince,” Oscar Wilde challenges traditional notions of heroism and nobility by depicting the Happy Prince, a golden statue, as the epitome of selflessness and compassion. Unlike conventional heroes who exhibit physical strength or bravery in battle, the Happy Prince demonstrates heroism through his willingness to sacrifice his own comfort and beauty to help others. For example, he instructs the Swallow to distribute his gold and jewels to the poor, even though it means sacrificing his own appearance and eventual demise. Wilde’s portrayal of heroism as rooted in empathy and altruism rather than traditional attributes challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of what it means to be noble and heroic in society.

Literary Works Similar to “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

1. “The Selfish Giant” by Oscar Wilde (Image of The Selfish Giant book cover) This is another fairy tale by Oscar Wilde that explores themes of selfishness, compassion, and the importance of helping others. Like “The Happy Prince,” it uses simple language and vivid imagery to convey a powerful message.
2. “The Little Match Girl” by Hans Christian Andersen (Image of The Little Match Girl book cover) This short story by Hans Christian Andersen tells the tale of a poor young girl who tries to sell matches on a cold New Year’s Eve. Like “The Happy Prince,” it is a poignant story about poverty, sacrifice, and the kindness of strangers.
3. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant (Image of The Necklace book cover) This short story by Guy de Maupassant explores the dangers of materialism and the importance of appreciating what you have. Like “The Happy Prince,” it features a character who learns a valuable lesson about the true meaning of happiness.
4. “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams (Image of The Velveteen Rabbit book cover) This children’s book by Margery Williams tells the story of a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real. Like “The Happy Prince,” it explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of experiences over possessions.
5. “The Cricket in Times Square” by George Selden (Image of The Cricket in Times Square book cover) This children’s novel by George Selden tells the story of a cricket from Connecticut who befriends a group of animals living in the New York City subway system. Like “The Happy Prince,” it is a heartwarming story about friendship, helping others, and finding happiness in unexpected places.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

Scholarly Books

• Beckson, Karl. Oscar Wilde: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 2003. This critical work provides a comprehensive overview of Wilde’s life and works, situating “The Happy Prince” within the context of his broader literary output.
• Sanders, Andrew. A Short History of English Literature. Oxford University Press, 2007. This in-depth study offers a detailed analysis of “The Happy Prince,” exploring its themes, narrative techniques, and place within Wilde’s oeuvre.

Articles:

• Eagleton, Terry. “The Doubleness of Oscar Wilde.” The Wildean 19 (2001): 2-9.
• Wilde, Oscar. “The Soul of Man Under Socialism.” 1891.” Collins Complete Works of Oscar Wilde (2001): 1174-1197.
• Bashford, Bruce. “Oscar Wilde as Theorist: The Case of De Profundis.” English literature in transition, 1880-1920 28.4 (1985): 395-406.
• Schulz, David. “Redressing Oscar: Performance and the Trials of Oscar Wilde.” TDR (1988-) 40.2 (1996): 37-59.

Online Resources:

• The Oscar Wilde Society: https://oscarwildesociety.co.uk/ This website, maintained by the prestigious Oscar Wilde Society, offers a wealth of information on Wilde’s life and works, including essays and discussions on his fairy tales, potentially providing valuable insights into “The Happy Prince.”
• The Victorian Web: https://victorianweb.org/ While not dedicated solely to Wilde, this website provides a rich resource on Victorian literature, including a section on Wilde with analysis of his fairy tales, offering a broader context for understanding “The Happy Prince.”

Representative Quotations from “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde

Quotation	Context and Theorization
“He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold; for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt.”	This quotation highlights the opulence and external beauty of the Happy Prince, symbolizing wealth and luxury. The use of precious materials like gold, sapphires, and rubies serves as a commentary on materialism and the superficial values of society. Wilde critiques the obsession with outward appearances and the neglect of inner virtues.
“I did not know what tears were, for I lived in the Palace of Sans Souci, where sorrow is not allowed to enter.”	Here, the Happy Prince reminisces about his past life of privilege and ignorance of human suffering. The reference to the Palace of Sans Souci, meaning “carefree” in French, symbolizes a life untouched by hardship or empathy. Wilde critiques the detachment of the wealthy from the struggles of the less fortunate and emphasizes the theme of compassion through the Prince’s newfound awareness of suffering.
“Leaf after leaf of the fine gold he brought to the poor, and the children’s faces grew rosier, and they laughed and played games in the street.”	This quotation depicts the Happy Prince’s selfless act of sacrificing his external beauty to alleviate the suffering of the poor. The transformation of his golden exterior into mundane leaflets represents the redistribution of wealth and resources from the privileged to the marginalized. Wilde advocates for social justice and charity, emphasizing the importance of empathy and altruism in alleviating societal inequality.
“We must have another statue, of course,” he said, “and it shall be a statue of myself.” “Of myself,” said each of the Town Councillors, and they quarreled.	This passage satirizes the egotism and vanity of the Town Councillors, who prioritize self-glorification over genuine philanthropy or compassion. Wilde critiques the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of those in positions of power, highlighting the contrast between their superficial gestures of charity and their true motivations. The quarrel over whose likeness the new statue should bear exposes the narcissism and folly of the ruling elite.
“You have rightly chosen,” said God, “for in my garden of Paradise this little bird shall sing forevermore, and in my city of gold the Happy Prince shall praise me.”	The concluding lines of the story offer a transcendent perspective on the value of selflessness and compassion. Despite the earthly fate of the Happy Prince and the Swallow, their noble actions are rewarded in the afterlife. Wilde suggests that true greatness lies not in worldly wealth or power but in acts of kindness and empathy. The Happy Prince and the Swallow attain eternal significance through their selfless sacrifice and devotion to others.